One of the biggest subplots surrounding Leeds Rhinos' preparations for the new Super League season was the battle to start at fullback in the opening round against Warrington Wolves, which is now only a fortnight away.
Jack Walker's return from long-term injury, coupled with the fact he retained the number one shirt for the 2022 season despite such a prolonged absence from the game, left some suspecting he had the edge over Richie Myler in the mind of Richard Agar.
But any doubts over who has the edge following the Rhinos' major games in pre-season, however, have surely been quashed now. Walker's return to Headingley on Sunday afternoon in Leeds' convincing victory against Hull FC featured some promising flashes of the brilliance he undoubtedly possesses. That alone was cause for great celebration after a hellacious two years Walker will now be keen to consign to the past.
But after a standout display against Wakefield on Boxing Day, Myler caught the eye once again on Sunday, with his career resurgence at fullback looking set to continue at pace again this season. A player who few Leeds supporters would have had in their 17 as recently as two years ago has now become a pivotal cog of the Rhinos under Agar.
With plenty of selection dilemmas to make before the opening round, Agar will have watched on from home with great intrigue as Myler provided another display of his talent at fullback on Sunday. Even before he etched his name onto the scoresheet as Leeds began to click through the gears against the Black and Whites, Myler had left his mark on the game.
The England international provided a composed, assured presence at the back and also joined the line with near-military precision every time Leeds cut open Brett Hodgson's side.
But what will have perhaps been most satisfying for Agar is the way Myler and new half-back pairing Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer have linked up. With a brand new partnership in the halves, there is every possibility Leeds could take some time to fully click in 2022.
However, the early signs - and that is all they are at this stage of proceedings - are certainly promising. On what we have seen throughout pre-season, the Rhinos' spine, with captain Kruise Leeming thrown in the mix, certainly has the potential to excite people this year.
When you consider that Leeds will undoubtedly take their time and care with Walker given how long he has been out of the game, that only adds to the feeling that Myler surely will start at fullback when Warrington come to Headingley in a fortnight.
There was a rousing reception on the hour mark when Walker made his Headingley return, and a real feeling of excitement every time he touched the ball. But on the basis of Myler's form this pre-season, it seems likely the 22-year-old will have to bide his time for his opportunity.
